Ramsgate job threat as TransEuropa Ferries goes into administration

TransEuropa Ferries was the only passenger service out of the Port of Ramsgate

A cross-Channel ferry firm has gone into administration, putting jobs at risk in Kent.

Belgian firm TransEuropa suspended all sailings between Ramsgate and Ostend this week amid fears over its future.

Thanet District Council, which owns the Kent port, said it had confirmation on Thursday evening. It is understood the company owes the council money.

The development means that there is no passenger service out of the Port of Ramsgate.

It is believed that about 25 jobs are at risk in the town.

Mark Seed, who is director of operations at Thanet District Council, said: "The council... will continue to be actively seeking to re-establish the route across to Ostend because that is workable, despite the problems encountered by TransEuropa Ferries."

Conservative MP for South Thanet, Laura Sandys, added: "This has always been a town that has had ferry crossings.

"We need to re-establish that and we need to ensure that we get a replacement as soon as possible."

TransEuropa had run passenger and freight services between Ramsgate and Ostend for the last 15 years.